I just learned about a new app for writers. It’s designed to combat that horrid p-word … procrastination. Say it with me, kids. Pro-cras-ti-nation.

Every single writer I know suffers from this condition, and often. But some brilliant techies came up with a solution — a sadistic app called Write or Die. The tagline: Putting the Prod in Productivity. Here’s their app description:

“Write or Die is a new kind of writing productivity application that forces you to write by providing consequences for distraction and procrastination. As long as you keep typing, you’re fine, but if you become distracted, punishment will ensue. Everything is configurable, name your word goal, time goal and preferred punishment, then start writing!”

Among this taskmaster’s punishments? When the app is set to “kamikaze” mode and you stop writing for a certain amount of time THE WORDS START TO ERASE THEMSELVES. This is their idea of motivation.

I have a much better antidote to procrastination, and this one doesn’t involve perverse masochistic technology. It’s called a “calendar.” All I have to do when my attention span is elsewhere is glimpse at the looming deadline. Oh, and also at my bank balance. Works every time.